Greetings from Austin Street

Blessed Sunday to you all!  All is well here at 811. 

The candle is lit…

Dear God, I believe that you give your power to my prayers.  Thank you for giving each of us the way to speak to you.  Thank you for speaking to us through Your Word, those who preach the Word, others who pray the Word and when we serve the Word. Thank you for being the power in our prayers that changes things. I love you Lord, thank you for loving us, in Jesus’ name, amen.

The power in the prayers we pray does not lie with us, but in the One who hears the prayer.  It is the transforming love and grace of God that works through people who pray. When we submit ourselves  in prayer praising God first then God can accomplish His purposes.  I heard a speaker yesterday who was absolutely adamant that before we petition God for anything we praise God for everything of which we can possibly think. God works through His people who urgently and sincerely pray to Him. 

My meditation tonight says, “God sends your prayers out with the power to affect change and bless.”  I had never thought about God sending my prayers out with power to affect change and bless. I just thought I prayed and God took care of the rest. I am going to ponder that statement and see if I can put my own reflection into words. I do believe that we are called to praise God, to pray for each other and to confess our sins to God and one another.  I also take comfort in the knowledge that God remains close to those who pray. 

So my friends I will pray for you in the days to come and ask you to pray for each other and for me. Bruce and I are preparing for the Kairos Prison Ministry Weekend. It is a program based on prayer and the words, Listen, Listen, Love, Love.  So may we all listen to God this week and experience His loving Presence and in faith believing God will take our prayers and bless others bringing about change; even if the only changes we see are in us and we are blessed.

Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you will be healed. The prayer of a good person has a powerful effect.”

James 5: 16

“The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous.”

Proverbs 15: 29

Take joy in the journey praying as you go. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene